Golf-Oosthuizen and Bjorn pull out of Andalucian Open (Reuters)

* Holder Oosthuizen has eye infection

* In-form Dane Bjorn also withdraws

(adds Bjorn withdrawal)

By Bernie McGuire

MALAGA, Spain, March 21 (Reuters) – Holder Louis Oosthuizen
has withdrawn from this week’s Andalucian Open after suffering
an eye infection.

“It’s disappointing because not only were we looking forward
to seeing Louis return to defend but it was our chance to also
congratulate him on then going on to win the British Open,” a
tournament official told Reuters on Monday.

The South African’s withdrawal reduces the number of major
champions teeing-up on the Parador Malaga course on Thursday to
three; Jose Maria Olazabal, Paul Lawrie and Michael Campbell.

In-form Dane Thomas Bjorn, who won last month’s Qatar
Masters, has also pulled out for unspecified reasons.

Oosthuizen endured a disappointing end to his breakthrough
season last year, tearing ankle ligaments while on a hunting
trip and missing seven weeks as the European Tour reached its
climax.

He claimed his first victory since his British Open triumph
at St Andrews last July when he won a three-way playoff to land
the African Open in January.

(Editing by Justin Palmer and Tony Jimenez. To query or
comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)